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Dad’s Ultimate Burger Bar

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A fun and flavorful build-your-own burger bar featuring juicy seasoned beef patties, toasted buns, and a variety of fresh toppings and sauces. Perfect for family gatherings and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 6 soft burger buns, brioche preferred
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Leafy lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Fresh tomato slices
  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • Cheese slices (cheddar, American, or pepper jack)
  • Crispy bacon strips
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Jalapeños
  • Ketchup
  • Yellow mustard
  • Mayonnaise or garlic aioli
  • BBQ sauce
  • Relish or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly. Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty. (10 minutes)
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high (around 375°F) or heat grill pan/skillet on stovetop over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot before cooking. (5 minutes)
  3. Place patties on grill or pan. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping once. During the last minute, top each patty with cheese slice if desired and cover to melt cheese. (10-12 minutes)
  4. While patties cook, spread butter on insides of buns and toast cut-side down on grill or pan until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Arrange toasted buns, cooked patties, toppings, and sauces on a platter or buffet table. Let everyone build their own burgers. (5 minutes)

Notes

Do not overwork the meat when mixing or shaping patties to keep them juicy. Avoid pressing down on patties while cooking. Rest patties a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F for safe ground beef. For no grill, use a cast iron skillet with butter or oil and smoked paprika for smoky flavor. Store leftovers wrapped in foil and refrigerated up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: burger, grilled beef patties, burger bar, backyard cookout, family dinner, customizable burgers, easy burger recipe